Happy Hogmanay!

Happy Hogmanay! Today marks the end of my first year (ok, six months and a bit) of running, and it feels amazing.

This time last year, it never crossed my mind that I would even want to run for a bus, and yet here we are, one year on, running 5K a couple of times a week and training for my very first 10K race. Who would have thought it?

So, this evening, rather than getting drunk and dreaming up New Year resolutions that I’ll probably never keep, I decided to celebrate the old year by going for a run.

According to my somewhat experimental 10K training plan, the purpose of tonight’s run was to build on my distance by running 4.5 miles. This suited me fine as I tend to take these runs fairly slowly and I was feeling pretty tired despite the early finish at work.

By the time I set out, it was already dark but the rain had stopped and, although it was still a bit blustery down on the seafront, the wind wasn’t too bad. In fact, it felt pretty good.

I took it easy for the most part, enjoying the peace and the solitude and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. The aim was to run far, not fast, so I didn’t even bother checking my pace.

In the end, I ran a little bit further than planned – 7.85 kilometres, which is just under 5 miles. Not bad for someone who could barely run a hundred yards six months ago.

In a way, it’s kind of sad that 2013 is going to be over. It has been a good year on the whole, particularly the last six months or so, and it’s mainly down to running.

Running has given me a new lease of life. It has helped me to focus on my goals, believe in myself and pay more attention to my body. But most of all, it has helped me to put things into perspective and taught me to not take life too seriously.

So, here’s to the old year. Thank you for the ups and the downs, the miles and the yards, the lessons learned and the adventures had. Let’s hope next year is as good by half.

My name is Neil, an average runner, founding member of Clair parkrun in Haywards Heath, enthusiastic member of Burgess Hill Runners, 43 marathons so far including 14 over marathon distance and two 100 milers, Leader in Running Fitness since mid 2014, all things animal welfare and avid vegetarian, now vegan since February 2016. Hoping my knees don't give up on me too soon.